Job Description

Seeking a Policy Specialists who can help develop bold new policy for government to consider, and support these initiatives through to announcement by government

The Role:

You will be excited by the chance to gain experience leading policy initiatives and driving change from a central agency. You will reach out to people across the APS to create robust, proactive advice to government, and to improve how government ‘does digital’. You will enjoy the pressure of tight deadlines, such as during Cabinet processes, and creating the products – submissions, briefings, presentations etc. – that will help our Minister and senior executive to lead the Strategy. In between these peaks, you will be thinking through strategic issues, researching, talking with people to understand their perspectives, and preparing advice to be used when the time comes.Our team is small and dynamic, creating a great environment to learn new skills. While policy development will be your primary focus, you will at times be asked to help with other important work of the team as priorities dictate. It would be useful to show your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and demands of the job.

Key duties and capabilities

Depending upon the level, you will either lead or participate in a team. Duties will involve:

Preparing robust, proactive and innovative advice to government that helps it achieve its vision for digital transformation

Contributing to policy thinking across the DTA and partner agencies, to create joined-up policy

Assisting with other tasks, as necessary

As a policy officer, you will be required to bring the following skills and attributes to the team:

Policy development and analysis skills – thinking through and researching strategic issues, stakeholder perspectives and potential, practical solutions across government

Communications skills – delivering high quality papers, written/verbal briefs and advice under tight time pressures, using clear and influential language

Stakeholder engagement skills – understand our key stakeholders, their perspectives, their influence and how to embed this into our advice

Ability to deal well with ambiguity and rapid change, including sometimes tight and urgent deadlines

Experience in data or digital transformation would be an advantage

Experience in government policy processes – such as consultation and Cabinet processes – would be a distinct advantage

Applicants at the EL1 level will be expected to demonstrate significant expertise in government policy development processes, with a demonstrated track record of preparing advice that is well-researched, reflects people’s needs, and is practical. At this level, you will be empowered to create and manage policy processes that will help government deliver on the Strategy. You will understand the sensitivities and context of your work and take ownership to deliver on the challenges presented. As leader of a diverse team, you will be required to understand issues beyond your policy expertise, think strategically through options, work with relevant areas across the Department and take ownership for delivering solutions.

Essential Skills and Experience Required:

Demonstrated ability to prepare policy advice that is well-researched, reflects people’s needs, and is practical

Demonstrated experience in Cabinet processes, and preparing briefs for Ministers and senior executive that help achieve government’s goals

Demonstrated ability to work across organisations (including with other agencies) to inform your policy advice and boost its chances of success

Ability and willingness to respond to tight and urgent deadlines, as dictated by the policy processes and environment

Taking ownership of your work – delivering results in line with the plan and the broader context and goals of the Department

Additional if applying for EL1 – demonstrated results leading teams, designing and delivering policy with a degree of independence, and taking ownership to solve a broader range of issues

Desirable

Understanding of the issues associated with delivering whole of government policies, and ways to overcome barriers

Understanding of digital and data challenges and policy directions

Location and Contract Term:

Canberra or Sydney based will be Remote working will be mandatory. 3 Month Contract with multiple options to extend.

Security Requirements:

Must be an Australian Citizen. Police Check is required.

Bring your own (BYO) device (mandatory)

Successful personnel must have the ability to provide their own device due to the shortage of laptops and other mobile devices. Devices will be configured to allow for remote access to necessary department infrastructure.

How to Apply:

Applications close 4 April 2020

Please upload your resume to apply. Please note you may need to complete selection criteria to complete this application process. We will be in touch with instructions for suitably skilled candidates